Urging for continuity: DMK President and Chief Minister MK Stalin addresses a meeting in Madurai on Sunday (April 5, 2026). In an interview, he said that the 2026 Assembly elections are about continuing the achievements of the last five years under the “Dravidian model” government. | Photo credit: G. MOORTHY
DMK president and chief minister MK Stalin on Sunday (April 5, 2026) disagreed with suggestions that the Tamil Nadu assembly elections would turn out to be a “close contest”, saying that a multi-party contest would actually benefit the DMK.
Taking a short break from his intensive campaign schedule in Virudhunagar district, Mr. Stalin made it clear in an exclusive interview to The Hindu that the contest was essentially between the secular progressive alliance led by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India National Democratic Alliance led by Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
“Others lack power”
“Other parties lack the organizational strength and infrastructure to challenge us. A multi-cornered contest will actually benefit the DMK,” he said.
“Our achievements and election promises have captured people’s imagination. The result will dispel the notion that DMK cannot win two consecutive elections,” he added.
When asked specifically about the need for the DMK to expand its alliance and whether it was forced to unite the DMDK and several smaller parties, he said that the alliance itself is a coming together of parties “who share our views”. The number of such parties has increased. “There is no compulsion, but there is a responsibility to meet them and work with them,” he said.
Mr. Stalin emphasized that his party has maintained an “ideology-based alliance since 2019 (the front was formed during the RK Nagar by-election in late 2017).
“Unprecedented Front”
“Such a strong and cohesive alliance is unprecedented in the political history of Tamil Nadu. The DMK-led alliance continues to be a strong front in terms of vote share. The 2026 Assembly elections are about continuing the achievements of the last five years under the ‘Dravidian Model’ government. We must ensure that the interests of Tamil Nadu (Nthetiyata Janataiance Party are not compromised by the Bharatiyataiance Party). We are joined by parties with a democratic outlook, real the compulsion is to oppose the BJP, which we believe poses a serious threat to democracy,” he asserted.
“All the elections (have) witnessed prolonged talks between allies to finalize seat allocation,” was his reply when asked if the inclusion of new parties had caused disappointment among some allies and the impact of the delay by the Indian National Congress in announcing its candidates.
‘No Bitterness’
Mr. Stalin acknowledged that the entry of new parties had led to changes in the distribution of seats and the choice of constituencies for the DMK and its allies.
“We have held detailed discussions with our partners, finalized seat-sharing arrangements and announced candidates. We are now working together on the ground. There is no bitterness. The outcome of the election will be positive,” he said.
Asked how he describes the Illatharasi program in the DMK manifesto – the distribution of coupons worth ₹8,000 to buy or repair home electronic appliances – as the “superstar” of the election, he said that the program has received wide acclaim, but there are several other “superstar” initiatives.
“Our pledge to increase the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (monthly entitlement grant for over 1.31 million women headed families) from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 has resonated with the public. Another important initiative is the installation of (free) meters for each agricultural district; this will help strengthen the local tailor-made food industry in tailor-made food production development programmes.” investment aimed at job creation, support to micro, small and medium enterprises and loans of up to ₹ 5,000 to women self-help groups These initiatives along with several others are designed to ensure balanced development across the state, hence we describe our manifesto as a ‘superstar’,” said Mr. Stalin.
Asked about his harsh criticism of the AIADMK-BJP combine, while remaining silent on actor Vijay, who has been constantly targeting the DMK, Mr Stalin said: “I do not consider anyone as my opponent. I will not allow my attention to be diverted from my (aim and) goal.”
Published – 05 Apr 2026 23:35 IST
